Throughout the journey, neither of them spoke much, as Song Qiao kept her gaze outside the car, while Lu Jingchen busied himself with company matters, rendering the car’s interior so quiet that only their breathing could be heard.
Half an hour later, the car stopped at the entrance of the apartment complex where Song Qiao and Ning Wan lived. As the car door opened, Song Qiao got out first, turned back to say something to Lu Jingchen—probably to let him leave first. She planned to pack up, have a meal with Ning Wan before heading over.
However, as soon she turned around, she froze in place, her mouth agape, watching the strikingly handsome man close his laptop, set it aside, then swing his long legs out as he stepped out of the car.
Staring in surprise at the man who was already by her side, about to wrap his arm around her waist, Song Qiao pursed her lips and spoke, "Actually, you don’t have to come up with me. It’s just packing some luggage, not much to carry. I can take a taxi over later by myself!"
Lu Jingchen held her waist, his eyes and brows steady, a faint smile spreading across his lips as he spoke nonchalantly, "I’m just curious about the place you’ve lived in these past few years, to see whether I should treat you even better in the future. Besides, didn’t you say you have a close girlfriend? I’d also like to meet her and see what kind of girl can have such a good relationship with you!"
Song Qiao’s step halted but quickly resumed her normal pace as she continued walking shoulder to shoulder with the man, calmly replying, "The environment here is quite nice, but it might be a bit lacking for you. It’s probably better not to go up!" Follow current novels on NoveIＦire.net
A man like Lu Jingchen probably hasn’t ever been to their kind of neighborhood, right?
He naturally saw the message in Song Qiao’s eyes. With a slight tug at the corner of his mouth, he spoke softly, bewitchingly, with a gentle smile on his handsome face, "Don’t worry, you don’t need to look at me with such concern. I’ve been to many places, including impoverished mountain areas."
In his youth, he had experienced all sorts of things, including visits to poverty-stricken mountains and destitute areas. To outsiders, Lu Jingchen might seem like someone born with a silver spoon, but within the Lu Family—a family with depths so profound that not a single person in this world could fully grasp—those who were too naive or simplistic simply couldn’t survive.
Having lived in this neighborhood for seven or eight years, many locals recognized Song Qiao and Ning Wan. Since they were both young ladies, the neighbors took good care of them. Plus, both girls had lovely personalities, so their relationships with the neighbors were quite good. Along the way, they encountered several elders past fifty who greeted Song Qiao, some even asking if Lu Jingchen was her boyfriend.
However, the question Song Qiao heard most frequently was, "Qiao Qiao, your boyfriend is pretty handsome! Young man, when are you going to marry Qiao Qiao?"
During the short walk, they had already answered this question several times. Of course, Song Qiao did not tell them that they were already married. Lu Jingchen cooperated with her, maintaining his usual indifferent and distant expression. Yet when facing the elders who greeted and joked with them, he managed to nod and acknowledge them politely.
It wasn’t until they entered the building where she and Ning Wan lived that Song Qiao couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief, then a bit embarrassedly explained to Lu Jingchen, "Wanwan and I have lived here for eight years, so we’re quite familiar with the people in the complex. They’re all very nice to us. So when they see you, they can’t help but be curious. Please don’t mind them; they mean well!"
She wondered if it was just her imagination, but she definitely saw a hint of displeasure in Lu Jingchen’s expression, prompting her to explain.
Lu Jingchen’s face remained even and indifferent, yet it softened quite a bit.
After a brief glance at Song Qiao, he pressed the elevator button, speaking in a calm and moderate tone, "It’s fine, we have elders at home too, so I’m used to encountering this sort of thing!"
Song Qiao replied with an "Oh" and turned to watch the elevator, but from the corner of her eye, she still saw Lu Jingchen’s slightly displeased expression and couldn’t help but secretly purse her lips.
Clearly unhappy, yet pretending to be in a decent mood. This man really can be so stubborn!